If you're buying dresses in a store in the mall

Buy Cheap Homecoming Dresses How To Follow 2011's Top Trends And Still Save Money

You want to this year, that's understandable as it seems that everyone is trying to save money these days!

But how do you find a dress that is bang on trend, but still leaves you with some money to go out and party?

Read on to get the low-down on 2011's top homecoming dress trends and some really useful hints on how to do it without breaking the bank:

Firstly what are the trends worth following this year?

1.Bright Colors Are A Must

2011 is all about bright eye-catching colors. We know that an LBD is an all-purpose dress, but leave the black for later this year and go bright. Bright yellows, oranges, reds...they're all good, as the key is to catch the eye. After all, homecoming parties are supposed to be fun, so go a bit wild.

You could even team up the dresses bright color with some matching vivid eye-shadow and lipstick, to go with a real 80s vibe!

2.Leave The Long Skirt For Proms

Homecoming is about dancing, fun and is a bit crazier than your average prom night! So go for a short skirt that will allow you the freedom to move without tripping over all of the time!

Don't think that your shape should dictate the length of your skirt, as I'm a firm believer that bigger, curvier girls should also be showing off their legs.

3.Accessorize With Sparkle

The trend this year is to be SEEN, so along with bright colors you should be choosing a dress with crystals, sequins, rhinestones and anything else that will sparkle and get you looked at. Don't forget to also wear some sparkly jewelry to complement the look!

4.A-Line And Ball-gown Style Is Where evening dresses for less It's At

These two styles are great for homecoming as they are comfortable for dancing and will suit almost every girl's body shape, especially A-line dresses that look good on every woman.

5.Iridescent Taffeta Is So Cool This Year

Sounds weird, right? But this form of taffeta is great as it is a kind of two-tone fabric that changes color in the light. What could be better in the year where we are trying to get noticed?

It's got a really trendy metallic look and is nice and light which will also increase the comfort of your dress, so see if you can find a dress made of this fabric if you can!

So that's five cool designer wedding dress trends for 2011, but how about saving money?

6.Shop Online

If you're buying dresses in a store in the mall not only are you paying a lot of profit margin because you're paying for the store's utility bills, rent and the staff's salaries (as well as just pure profit). The result? These homecoming dresses are expensive!

The best money-saving tip is to buy online, as websites usually operate at much lower profit and therefore you can get the same dress cheaper!

The only possible issue is delivery time, but as long as you give yourself time before homecoming then this will be fine.

You should be able to get a really beautiful, custom-sized homecoming dress online starting at about one hundred dollars...now that's cheap!

Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - Terms And Definitions

Are you bewildered when it comes to shopping for prom dresses? With all the types of formal gowns and dresses available, there are also many terms that describe the length, design, neckline, and style of a prom dress. You might feel overwhelmed when speaking with a sales clerk at a formal wear shop or even while shopping online for prom dresses. Below we've put together some helpful terms and definitions to help you be an informed shopper for prom dresses and other prom-related items of women's interests.

Prom Dress Styles

Some of the prom dress styles you might see include the ball gown, A-line (princess), sheath, lace-covered, high-low, baby doll, chiffon, one-shoulder, empire, golden glamour, modest, and halter.

Ballroom Gowns and A-Line Prom Dresses

A ballroom gown has a very large skirt that billows out from the waist to the mid-calf or ankles. It might have a fitted waist and top or a corset type lace bridesmaid dresses top. The A-line or princess dress flares out to the hemline and is narrow near the waist. It forms an "a" shape as it fits to your body from top to bottom.

High-Low, Lace-Covered, and Chiffon Prom Dresses

The high-low dress zigzags vertically at the hemline so it is short in some spots and long in others. The sheath prom dress is one that clings to the body and hides nothing concerning your figure. The lace-covered dress can be a satin or satin-like material underneath with lace as a top layer. Chiffon dresses look similar to a fancy night robe worn by the women of Rome or Greece. With a high empire waist, the dress is long and flows from the hips down to the ankles. It is great for almost any figure.

Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Sleeveless Gowns

The baby doll prom dress is typically very short and cute. It usually fits at the top and flows at the bottom with a high waistline in between. Baby doll dresses usually come with a tied ribbon or belt around the stomach area to give the "baby dress" look. One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course, with the other side being sleeveless. These are usually long and elegant gowns. There are also completely strapless formal gowns and prom dresses. These can be worn with or without a jacket or wrap.

Halter, Golden Glamour, and Modest ivory colored dresses Prom Dresses

The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top at the sleeves and then flows toward the knees. It is usually no longer than just below the knees and may look similar to a high-low dress at the hemline. The golden glamour dress is usually shiny gold to appear like "Hollywood" style apparel. The modest prom dress is beautiful, simple, and modest. It covers everything while still giving the wearer a touch of glamour and elegance.

Types of Sleeves

Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms and shoulders. Juliet sleeves are puffy at simple elegant wedding dresses the shoulders and taper all the way to the wrist. Some sleeves start below the shoulders or appear to "hang off" the shoulders. Also, spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves.

Necklines

Necklines are also important when choosing a prom dress. The empire neckline scoops out and then connects with a very high waistline. A sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart. A jewel neckline is simple and round, located just above the collarbone. The boat neckline (Bandeau) comes around to each collarbone, similar to a sailor's suit.

Other Prom Terms to Know

There are also handbags, or small purses, and clutches that can match your prom dress. Clutches are small hand-held bags with no straps. Shawls and wraps are not jackets but fit around your shoulders loosely. You can wear them when outdoors during cold weather and easily remove them for dancing. A tiara is a princess-type hairpiece than can be worn with your hair up or down. There are elbow gloves and wrist gloves. Elbow gloves reach to your elbow, covering the bottom part of your arm while wrist gloves only cover the hands.

Before shopping for a prom dress, know what styles and accessories you are looking for so you can save time. Also, go online to view all the different styles available. You can even find great deals online on prom dresses by designers such as Mori Lee, Jovani, Clarisse, Niteline, Dave and Johny, Paris, Riva and Alyce Designs. There are often beautiful dresses online for the prom, homecoming, and other formal events that a local formal wear shop might not offer.